Supporting Positive Body Image in Adolescent Girls: A Guide for Coaches, Parents, and Peers

Leilanie Pakoa
May 15
4 min read

Adolescence is a critical time for identity formation, physical development, and social belonging. For adolescent girls, it is also a time when body image concerns often intensify. Involvement in sport can be both a protective factor and a risk factor for body dissatisfaction. As coaches, parents, and peers, the way we talk about and support adolescent girls in sport can make a profound difference to their mental health, self-esteem, and performance.

Understanding Body Image

Body image refers to the thoughts, feelings, and attitudes a person has about their body. For adolescent girls, body image is shaped by a range of influences including puberty, social comparison, peer relationships, media exposure, and the culture of their chosen sport (Grogan, 2016). While some girls develop a positive and flexible sense of self, others may experience intense pressure to conform to narrow appearance ideals – particularly thinness or leanness – which can lead to dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and lower self-worth.

The Sport Environment: Protective or Risky?

Sport can provide adolescent girls with opportunities for body functionality, confidence, and resilience. Participation in sport is associated with improved self-esteem and reduced risk of depression when girls feel supported and capable (Slater & Tiggemann, 2011). However, this positive influence is not guaranteed. In aesthetic sports (e.g., gymnastics, dance) and weight-sensitive sports (e.g., distance running, rowing), there is often an implicit or explicit emphasis on body size, shape, and performance that can increase risk for body dissatisfaction and eating disorders (Voelker et al., 2019).

Recent evidence highlights the complex relationship between sport and body image. A 2024 study by Kroshus and colleagues found that adolescent athletes who experienced weight-related comments from coaches or peers were more likely to report disordered eating behaviours and body image concerns (Kroshus et al., 2024). Similarly, a 2023 international review underscored that female athletes with internalised body ideals were more likely to experience low self-esteem and symptoms of anxiety and depression (Gilmartin et al., 2023).

Eating Disorders in Adolescent Athletes

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that disproportionately affect adolescent girls, particularly those engaged in high-performance sport. Disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) can severely impact physical health, performance, and psychological wellbeing. Early warning signs can include preoccupation with food, frequent dieting, changes in performance, irritability, and withdrawal from social interactions.

A study by Plateau and colleagues (2023) highlighted that even subclinical disordered eating behaviours, such as meal skipping or compulsive exercise, can persist among adolescent athletes, particularly when perfectionism and appearance-focused feedback are present. Crucially, these behaviours are often overlooked due to normalisation within sporting culture.

Talking About Bodies: What Helps, What Harms

The way adults and peers talk about bodies can either protect or harm an adolescent girl’s body image. Comments that seem well-intentioned – like praising weight loss or highlighting a “sporty” physique – can reinforce appearance-based self-worth and create pressure to maintain or change one's body.

Instead, research recommends shifting the focus to body functionality – what the body can do, not how it looks (Alleva et al., 2015). Girls who appreciate their bodies for their strength, skills, and endurance tend to report greater body satisfaction and self-esteem. For example, celebrating a young runner’s endurance or a footballer’s decision-making reinforces capability rather than appearance.

Here are some evidence-informed communication strategies:

Avoid commenting on weight or body shape. Even neutral or positive comments can reinforce harmful ideals.
Emphasise effort, skill, and progress. Recognise how girls are learning, growing, and improving.
Model body acceptance. Adults who model healthy body image and avoid negative self-talk create a safer environment.
Challenge appearance-based teasing or talk. Peer dynamics can strongly influence self-esteem. Encourage kindness and respect.
Use inclusive language. Celebrate diversity in body types, cultural backgrounds, and abilities.

Supporting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing

Positive body image is closely tied to overall mental health. Coaches, parents, and peers are in a strong position to buffer against body-related pressures by creating environments that are inclusive, accepting, and growth-focused.

For Coaches:

Build team cultures where everyone feels valued, not just high performers.
Encourage rest, recovery, and nutrition as part of performance, not in opposition to it.
Integrate wellbeing check-ins or mental health literacy programs into training environments.
Be alert to early warning signs of distress and consult with allied health professionals when needed.

For Parents:

Reinforce the idea that sport is about enjoyment, connection, and learning.
Avoid linking praise or support to physical appearance.
Model balanced eating, intuitive movement, and emotional expression.
Help teens navigate social media and media literacy – what they see online isn’t the whole truth.

For Peers:

Speak up if you hear body-shaming or diet talk.
Include and uplift each other – especially those who may feel marginalised.
Celebrate individuality – different bodies, skills, and journeys make sport better.

Where to Get Help

Early intervention is key. If you're concerned about an adolescent athlete’s eating or mental health, speak to a GP, psychologist, or accredited sports dietitian. Schools and clubs can also bring in sport psychologists or mental health educators to support proactive conversations.

For immediate support in Australia, consider:

Butterfly Foundation: butterfly.org.au
Headspace: headspace.org.au
AIS Female Performance and Health Initiative: ais.gov.au/fphi
The Embrace Collective is an Australian organisation focused on improving education and health promotion around body image and sport. https://theembracehub.com/

Conclusion

Adolescent girls in sport are navigating a complex terrain of physical, emotional, and social changes. When coaches, parents, and peers champion a performance culture rooted in respect, inclusion, and wellbeing – not appearance – girls are more likely to thrive. Let’s commit to shifting the conversation, celebrating bodies for what they can do, and fostering environments where all young athletes can flourish.

References (APA 7th Edition)

Alleva, J. M., Martijn, C., Van Breukelen, G. J., Jansen, A., & Karos, K. (2015). Expand your horizon: A programme that improves body image and reduces self-objectification by training women to focus on body functionality. Body Image, 15, 81–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.07.001
Gilmartin, E., Wade, T. D., & Byrne, S. M. (2023). Risk and protective factors for disordered eating in adolescent athletes: A systematic review. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 69, 102421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102421
Grogan, S. (2016). Body image: Understanding body dissatisfaction in men, women and children (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Kroshus, E., Huschke, J., & Lund, D. (2024). Understanding the impact of weight-related communication in youth sport settings. Eating Disorders, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2024.2433743
Plateau, C. R., Arcelus, J., & Meyer, C. (2023). Disordered eating in adolescent female athletes: A longitudinal study. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 56(2), 214–224. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.24140